Grass Valley, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

There is no single "backyard fire" that escapes regulation in unincorporated Nevada County, because the area is a high-risk CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area. A backyard debris fire (burning leaves, brush, and trimmings) is treated as open burning: it is allowed only on a permissive burn day declared by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District, requires a free CAL FIRE residential burn permit (renewed each year on or after May 1), and may use only dry vegetation grown on the property - never trash, treated wood, or burn barrels. A backyard recreational fire (a fire pit, chiminea, or campfire for warmth or cooking) is governed by California Fire Code Section 307: the pile must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, kept at least 25 feet from structures and combustibles, constantly attended, and backed up by a water source or extinguisher. During elevated fire danger CAL FIRE suspends open burning, and a public official can order any fire put out. Note that all consumer fireworks are banned countywide. Even portable propane or charcoal grills and smokers should be used clear of dry vegetation and away from structures. Always check the NSAQMD burn-day line at (530) 274-7928 before any open fire.